HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-2023 Health and Public SafetyOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
D AW.\l M.JO.\TES, CrT Y CLERK
HEAL TH AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Committee Members Present:
Committee Members Absent:
Agenda:
JULY 20, 2023, 5:00 P.M.
Eli Wax, Karen White, Rachel Tomas Morgan,
Troy Warner, Canneth Lee, Desmont Upchurch
Bill No. 47-23 -An Ordinance Adding the State of
"Homeless" to the Protected Classes of Persons
Members marked with an asterisk (*) are present digitally
Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx? dbid=0&mediaid=366231
Committee Chair Eli Wax called to order the Health and Public Safety Committee meeting at 5:00
p.m.
Bill 47-23 -An Ordinance Adding the State of "Homeless" to the Protected Classes of
Persons
Council Chair Wax noted that this is an information session and there is no public comment. This
was heard in 2017 and did not receive traction. However, now there are significant concerns
regarding homelessness with approximately 600 homeless individuals in South Bend. There has
been significant community engagement, including support from Indianapolis, which has done
work on homeless issues. It was noted that not having an address can be an issue for individuals.
Discrimination against the homeless happens everywhere, as they are not wanted in private and
public areas. It creates issues for homeless individuals to rent apartments, apply for jobs, maintain
jobs, find shelter, etc. There are many myths and misinformation regarding the homeless
population such as they are unemployed and uninterested in gaining employment. Statistically,
one third of homeless individuals have jobs. Many homeless individuals are educated. There is
infrastructure in South Bend that will provide more access to showers and basic amenities. There
is a misconception that homelessness is a choice. Shelters frequently have regulations that do not
allow personal belongings and pets, making them a difficult choice for individuals to utilize. Some
also require sobriety and divide family units based on gender. Additionally, some have bed bugs
and are violent. Frequently, homeless individuals are not covered by other classifications such as
disabled, minority, etc.
This classification will allow homeless individuals to file HCR complaints. It will decrease
discrimination and support them to mitigate their homeless situation, such as being able to find
and keep employment.
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227W. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. lndiana46601 p 574235.9221 f574235.9173 TTD574235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BE D OFFICE OF THE CLER K
There was discussion regarding the choice to not use shelters for the reasons stated above. There
was discussion regarding homelessness not being protected as a federal class. These classes are
considered an immutable characteristic. Homelessness is something that can be changed, while
most protected classes are characteristics that cannot change. There was discussion on proving that
discrimination is related to homelessness. There was discussion on how one would know that
someone is homeless. There was discussion on the HRC's capacity to address complaints. An
additional investigator would be needed, as the staff does not have capacity.
With no further business, Committee Chair Wax adjourned the Health and Public Safety
Committee meeting at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eli Wax, Committee Chair
NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRED PERSONS
Auxillal)· Aid or OlhcrScrvicc-s m:1y he Available u1>0n Rc.1ucst at No Charj.!C.
Plc-,1sc !,!iVl' Rcasonabh-Adv:rncc Request when Possible
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227W. Jefferson Bvld South Bend. lndiana46601 p 574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD574.235S567 www.southbendin.gov